Man Charged in Infant's Death

A Stafford man has been charged in the July 15 death of a 17-month-old boy, according to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office.

"On July 13, Stafford deputies responded to 1103 Providence Street to assist members of the Fire & Rescue Department for what was reported as injuries from a fall," Sheriff's Office spokesman Bill Kennedy said.

The adult baby sitter, Duc Chau, reportedly told deputies the baby was running to get a bottle of milk when the baby tripped and fell on a tile floor.  The baby was transported to an area hospital, then flown to the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center for further evaluation, Kennedy said.  On July 15, the baby died.

Stafford County Detective Todd Nosal began investigating the incident on July 13, due to the serious nature of the injuries the baby had sustained, Kennedy said. 

The investigation was presented to a Special Stafford County Grand Jury on July 26.  The grand jury issued the indictments against Duc Chau, who turned himself in to detectives at the Sheriff’s Office July 29.  "The investigation has indicated that the 17-month-old baby boy, who was under the care of his baby sitter, Duc Chau, died as a result of significant head trauma caused by Duc Chau," Kennedy said.

Duc Chau, age 40, has been charged with one count of first degree murder, one count of aggravated malicious wounding and two counts of child abuse.  The suspect is currently incarcerated at Rappahannock Regional Jail under no bond.  

The investigation is ongoing.

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